even though, like, the answers that obama gave were very pro democratic, pro public education. >> overall, romney, from my perspective, did a little bit better. he wasn't as specific as obama, but he set out to attack obama more. >> this way it's his do or die moment. >> reporter: melinda jackson says romney had more to gain in tonight's debate. and while the president's debate performance was solid, the president had more to lose. >> i think romney did his job tonight. i think he gave a solid performance. he was confident. he was polished. >> reporter: now bunot everyone in the room saw it that way. >> i think romney cut off the moderator a number of times. he kept cutting off president obama. i think he didn't have any solid points. >> reporter: at times, the two men appeared to be battling over the facts or numbers which professor jackson says is confusing for the average voter. but she says the debate is also about how voters feel about the candidate. and that's where she says romney gained ground. counteracting the image of the out of touch rich guy which has plagued him throughout h